Things to Do in the DMV This Month

Posted on November 3, 2026 | Posted in Lifestyle

With autumn in full swing and the holiday season just around the corner, the Capital Region is embracing November and all that it brings: crisp air, cozy comforts, festive traditions, and plenty of reasons to get out and about. Whether you’re looking for showstopping theater, live music, family-friendly festivities, cultural diversions, or seasonal attractions, here’s a roundup of the top events happening this November across DC, Virginia, and Maryland!

Want more of DC’s best? Check out the Lifestyle Section of our blog to discover everything at your fingertips, from the coolest places to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids.

DC

Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam | November 5 | Shaw
A decade after releasing their acclaimed collaborative album I Had a Dream That You Were Mine, Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam reunite for a highly anticipated tour.

Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival | November 5–8 | Penn Quarter
Documentary filmmaking meets investigative journalism at this thought-provoking festival featuring screenings, workshops, and conversations centered on this year’s theme, “On the Record.”

On Stage: Portraying the Performing Arts | November 6–July 18 | National Portrait Gallery
The spotlight is on entertainment icons in this fascinating exhibition featuring portraits of Katharine Hepburn, Lena Horne, Thelonious Monk, LL Cool J, and more. Hepburn’s four Academy Awards even make an appearance!

Diwali at the Smithsonian | November 6 | National Museum of Asian Art
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with an illuminating evening of classical music, curator talks, dancing, and a DJ-led party at the Smithsonian.

HBCU First LOOK Student Filmmaker Challenge | November 5–7 | Howard University
Catch the next generation of filmmaking talent in action as student finalists showcase their work at Howard University.

Remember Me | Opens November 7 | National Gallery of Art
Explore Black American history, identity, and artistry through approximately 70 photographs created by or featuring Black Americans in this compelling exhibition.

Adams Morgan PorchFest | November 7 | Adams Morgan
Witness the entire neighborhood turning into one big outdoor concert venue as local musicians take over porches, patios, and other unexpected stages for a free celebration of live music.

DC Beer Festival | November 7 | Nationals Park
Raise a glass to craft beer at Nationals Park, where more than 80 breweries come together for an afternoon of tastings, entertainment, and stadium-sized fun.

The Tubs | November 9 | Songbyrd Music House
London-based indie rockers The Tubs bring their infectious blend of jangly guitars, Celtic influences, and irresistible melodies to DC in support of their latest album, Hard Life.

Modern Military Aviation | Opens November 11 | National Air and Space Museum
Take flight through decades of military innovation in this new permanent exhibition, featuring aircraft that helped shape aviation history from the Cold War to the war on terrorism.

Nick Paumgarten | November 12 | Politics and Prose, Connecticut Avenue
Hockey, family, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way take center ice as The New Yorker writer Nick Paumgarten discusses his new memoir, The Intangibles.

My English Persian Kitchen | November 12–December 6 | Mosaic Theater
Food, family, and identity take center stage in this moving one-woman production about migration, complete with traditional Persian noodle soup prepared live during the performance.

DC Holiday Market | November 12–December 23 | Dupont Circle
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with locally made gifts, artisan goods, festive treats, and plenty of seasonal cheer at this open-air market.

Wine & Dine | November 12–13 | Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown
Sip, savor, and support a worthy cause at this culinary fundraiser featuring chef-prepared bites, fine wines, and proceeds benefiting the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute.

Renwick Gallery Craft Exhibition | Opens November 13 | Renwick Gallery
Discover the extraordinary possibilities of handmade art in an exhibition featuring works by Roberto Benavidez, Angela Ellsworth, and other inventive contemporary artists.

Downtown DC Holiday Market | November 13–December 23 | Downtown DC
Downtown gets a festive makeover with an outdoor holiday market featuring unique gifts, local vendors, seasonal snacks, and plenty of opportunities to check off your shopping list.

Hanukkah Spectacular | November 14–December 13 | Penn Quarter
Get ready for a holiday comedy with a twist as a group of Jewish artists attempts to create the next big theatrical hit celebrating Hanukkah.

Matteo Lane | November 14 | Warner Theatre
Comedian Matteo Lane brings his razor-sharp wit, hilarious personal anecdotes, and refreshingly unfiltered observations to the Warner Theatre for a night of laughs.

Your Brain on Music | November 16–17 | Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center
What happens when science meets symphony? This fascinating two-day program combines brain scans, film clips, and a live performance of Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony to explore how our minds respond to music.

The Hip-Hop Nutcracker | November 17–22 | National Theatre
Tchaikovsky gets a hip-hop makeover in this high-energy holiday spectacle blending contemporary dance, classic storytelling, and a special appearance by hip-hop icon Da Brat.

Wilderness Generation | November 18–January 3 | Studio Theatre
Family reunions are rarely drama-free. From acclaimed playwright James Ijames comes a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about four cousins reconnecting while packing up their grandmother’s Virginia home.

Brandie Smith | November 19 | Politics and Prose, Connecticut Avenue
Get the inside scoop on the world’s most beloved bears as National Zoo director Brandie Smith discusses her new book, In the Company of Pandas, chronicling her years working with these charismatic creatures.

A Christmas Carol | November 19–December 31 | Ford’s Theatre
Bah, humbug! DC’s beloved holiday tradition returns as Craig Wallace reprises the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’s timeless tale of redemption, generosity, and Christmas spirit.

Ilana Glazer | November 20 | Lincoln Theatre
The Broad City star brings the laughs with her signature comedic perspective on politics, parenthood, and the absurdities of adulthood.

ZooLights | Select Nights, November 20–January 3 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The National Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with colorful light displays, festive attractions, and enough holiday sparkle to brighten even the chilliest evening.

Enchant Christmas | November 20–December 27 | Nationals Park
Nationals Park trades baseball for holiday magic with a massive illuminated maze, ice skating, visits with Santa, and countless twinkling lights.

Michelle Wolf | November 21 | Lincoln Theatre
Known for her fearless humor and razor-sharp social commentary, comedian Michelle Wolf brings her unapologetically funny standup to DC.

Doja Cat | November 21 | Capital One Arena
Pop-rap superstar Doja Cat brings her genre-bending sound, bold performances, and chart-topping hits to Capital One Arena on her world tour.

They Might Be Giants | November 22 | 9:30 Club
Quirky lyrics, infectious melodies, and decades of cult-favorite hits are on the setlist as alternative rock icons They Might Be Giants take over the 9:30 Club.

Stevie Wonder | November 23 | Capital One Arena
Isn’t he lovely? The legendary Stevie Wonder celebrates 50 years of Songs in the Key of Life with a special performance of the groundbreaking double album in its entirety.

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink | Opens November 23 | National Gallery of Art
Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday season at one of DC’s most picturesque outdoor ice rinks, surrounded by art, architecture, and wintertime charm.

Hell’s Kitchen | November 24–December 6 | National Theatre
Alicia Keys brings her music and personal story to the city in this electrifying Broadway musical about a 17-year-old finding her voice in New York City. Expect beloved hits like “Empire State of Mind” alongside original songs.

Holidays at Hillwood: A Woven Wonderland | November 24–January 3 | Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Step into a beautifully decorated holiday wonderland featuring elaborate Christmas trees, festive florals, and textile-inspired displays throughout Hillwood’s historic estate.

SOME’s Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger | November 26 | Downtown DC
Start Thanksgiving on the right foot with this annual 5K supporting So Others Might Eat and its mission to help DC neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness.

The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker | November 28–December 27 | Warner Theatre
Sugarplum dreams come to life as The Washington Ballet returns with its beloved DC-inspired production of The Nutcracker, complete with dazzling costumes, magical sets, and plenty of holiday cheer.

White Ford Bronco | November 28 | 9:30 Club
Get ready for a serious dose of ’90s nostalgia as DC’s favorite throwback cover band serves up the decade’s biggest hits.

DC Cocktail Week | November 30–December 6 | Various DC Locations
Cheers to a week of creative cocktails, special drink deals, mixology classes, and delicious food pairings at participating bars and restaurants throughout the city.

➤ Discover even more ways to enjoy DC this fall and into the holidays with these posts next:

VIRGINIA

Northern Virginia Christmas Market | November 6–8 | Dulles Town Center, Sterling
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this festive three-day market featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, artwork, seasonal decorations, and specialty treats from talented artisans.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights | November 11–January 3 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland as Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into an illuminated paradise filled with colorful light displays and seasonal magic.

Alexandria Film Festival | November 13–15 | Alexandria
Lights, camera, Alexandria! Celebrate independent filmmaking with a weekend of screenings showcasing the creativity and storytelling talents of local and emerging filmmakers.

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival | November 14–15 | Dulles Town Center Expo Center, Sterling
Calling all caffeine enthusiasts and chocolate lovers! Indulge your cravings with artisan chocolates, international coffees, live demonstrations, and delicious discoveries from more than 200 exhibitors.

LoCo Wine Festival | November 21–22 | Old Farm Winery at Hartland, Aldie
Raise a glass to Loudoun County’s wine scene with a weekend of local tastings, live music, food trucks, and artisan shopping in Virginia wine country.

Candlelight Tours at Mount Vernon | Select Dates, November 27–December 22 | George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Step back in time and discover Mount Vernon after dark with atmospheric candlelit tours offering a glimpse into holiday traditions past & present at George Washington’s historic estate.

➤ Looking for more great spots to sample the DC scene? Start with these posts next:

MARYLAND

Wheaton Film Festival | November 7 | Wheaton
Calling all film buffs! Connect with filmmakers, mingle with industry professionals, and celebrate cinematic creativity at this local film festival.

43rd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase | November 14 | Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly
Celebrate the art of movement as emerging and established choreographers showcase inventive contemporary dance works, followed by a behind-the-scenes discussion with the artists.

Trot for a Turkey | November 21 | Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Get moving for a good cause with an evening run or walk through dazzling holiday light displays, all while helping provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane | November 21 | Strathmore, North Bethesda
Two jazz powerhouses join forces to celebrate the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, honoring the legends’ musical legacies with a fresh, contemporary twist.

Bikes and Lights | November 22 | Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro
Trade four wheels for two and pedal through more than 100 festive light displays during this special cycling event celebrating the arrival of the holiday season.

ICE! Featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas! | November 14–January 3 | Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor
The Grinch is stealing the spotlight at this year’s ICE! attraction, where elaborate ice sculptures bring Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday tale to life in a spectacular frozen wonderland.

Curious about more than just local events and happenings? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.